Farmers are beginning to see the impact of expanded Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. Congressional agriculture leaders say the changes represent about 13-point-8 billion dollars in ARC and PLC support. The updates include higher reference prices, new payment limits and more than 30 million additional base acres. USDA says the base-acre expansion is being implemented for the 2026 crop year. Producers are currently making ARC or PLC elections and enrolling in the programs through December 11th.

ARC provides payments when actual farm revenue falls below a guaranteed level, while PLC payments are triggered when market prices fall below established reference prices. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson say the changes are designed to provide producers with stronger protection against market volatility and production losses.

By: NATHAN STUEDLEFarmers are beginning to see the impact of expanded Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. Congressional agriculture leaders say the changes represent about 13-point-8 billion dollars in ARC and PLC support. The updates include higher reference prices, new payment limits and more than 30 million additional base acres. USDA says the base-acre expansion is being implemented for the 2026 crop year. Producers are currently making ARC or PLC elections and enrolling in the programs through December 11th.ARC provides payments when actual farm revenue falls below a guaranteed level, while PLC payments are triggered when market prices fall below established reference prices. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson say the changes are designed to provide producers with stronger protection against market volatility and production losses.

ARC/PLC safety net payments expand for farmers